Certification Info

PLA - The Problem

Sun Chips

Recently, PLA-based films (PolyLactic Acid - derived from corn) have gained popularity as an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional Polypropylene and Polypropylene-based films. PLA-based films are revolutionary products, they expand the capabilities of the world of packaging, offering unique capabilities. They are not, however, the panacea that they are promoted to be. When PLA-based films are exposed to the right conditions (light, heat, and oxygen) they will biodegrade in 6 months or less. Basically, these conditions are those found in a commercial composter. As such, PLAbased bags are ideal for organic waste applications. (Note: In order to meet this standard, PLA films must have a thickness of less than 0.8 mil.)

  • The 6 month window means that PLA-based packages have to be handled carefully. UV light on the store shelf, or excessive heat during transportation can begin the degradation process
  • PLA-based films are not the same as traditional polyfilms. They have different barrier and tensile properties - requiring changes to your manufacturing and printing process
  • PLA films are not recyclable
  • PLA films will not degrade unless in the presence of heat, light, and oxygen. This means that they will not degrade in a landfill
  • PLA films are expensive to produce, consequently, they can be as much as 3x the cost of traditional polyfilm-based products
  • PLA production is hard on the environment
    • Requires 90x more water to manufacture than polyfilms
    • The cost of Corn, the raw material, has risen over 200% in the last few years. Corn is a staple food in the developing world, and this price increase is unmanageable
    • Corn growth and PLA production actually used more petroleum in manufacturing than standard films

SunChips Bag Fails Compostability Test
Chip Bags Do Not Go in Green Carts
Environmental Impact of Corn-Based Plastics
Food Producers Ask Governor to Challenge Feds on Ethanol

Comparisons

Biodegradation Timelines
OXO-Bio
PLA
TekPak
TekPak vs. PLA
Biodegradable Film Degradation Chart

Other Documentation

TekPak Omni-Degradable Additive Material Safety Data Sheet
TekPak Biodegradable Clear Cast Polypropylene Film
TekPak Plastic Product Biodegradability Certification
Ecological Assessment of Plastic Additives
TekPak Masterbatch Pellets FDA Technical Datasheet
EPA Findings on Landfill Gases
Dispoz-O Biodegradability